2015 Program Book - Rotary National Award for Space Achievement

2015
ROTARY NATIONAL AWARD FOR SPACE ACHIEVEMENT
Col. ROBERT D. CABANA
2015 National Space Trophy Recipient
The Rotary
National Award
for Space Achievement
(RNASA)
Foundation takes
great
pleasure
in recognizing Colonel Robert D.
Cabana, USMC (Ret.), Director
of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
(KSC) and former NASA astronaut
as the recipient of the prestigious
2015 National Space Trophy. As
Director, Cabana manages all
NASA facilities and activities at
KSC.
Robert D. Cabana, Director Kennedy Space Center
Nominated
(NASA Photo)
Cabana was nominated
by NASA Johnson Space Center
(JSC) Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa, former JSC Director Michael
L. Coats, and Dr. Michael D. Griffin, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of Schafer Corporation “for his exceptional leadership and executive guidance in leading the
evolution of the NASA Kennedy Space Center as the world’s
premier multiuser spaceport in support of NASA’s exploration goals.”
Rick Hieb, Vice President of Lockheed Martin Civil Programs, also nominated Cabana “for outstanding leadership,
commitment, vision and public
service benefiting America’s security and our Nation’s human
space exploration program.”
John Zarrella said, “I have known
Bob for decades while I was covering the U.S. Space Program for
CNN. During those years it became very evident, very quickly
that no one cared more about
the successes of the program. No
one hurt more over the failures.
And no one had greater hope Robert Cabana by his bike.
about the future.” And Elliot Ho(Cabana Photo, 1967)
lokauahi Pulham, Chief Executive
Officer of Space Foundation said
“I can think of no one more deserving of the 2015 National
Space Trophy than Bob Cabana.”
Education
Cabana was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from Washburn High School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1967. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the United States Naval Academy in 1971, and
was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine
Corps.
Military Career
After graduation
from the Naval Academy, Cabana attended
the Basic School in
Quantico, Virginia, and
completed Naval Flight
Officer training in Pensacola, Florida, in 1972.
He served as an A-6
1977 – Cabana receiving the DAR
bombardier/navigator
with Marine Air Wings Award for top Marine to complete
in Cherry Point, North
Naval Flight Training in 1976
Carolina and Iwakuni,
(Cabana Photo)
Japan.
He returned to
Pensacola in 1975 for pilot training and was designated a
Naval Aviator in September 1976, earning the Daughters
of the American
Revolution award
as the top Marine to complete
flight
training
that year. He was
then assigned to
the Second Marine Aircraft Wing
in Cherry Point,
North Carolina,
1978 - Cabana piloting VMA (AW) 332
where he flew A-6
Intruders.
(Cabana Photo)
He graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1981, and served
at the Naval Air Test Center in Patuxent River, Maryland, as
the A-6 Program Manager, X-29 Advanced Technology Demonstrator Project Officer and as a test pilot for flight systems
and ordnance separation testing on A-6 and A-4 series aircraft. During his career, Cabana has logged over 7,000 hours
in 50 different kinds of aircraft.
Prior to his selection as an astronaut candidate, he
served as the Assistant Operations Officer of Marine Aircraft Group Twelve in Iwakuni, Japan. Cabana retired from
the U.S. Marine Corps in August of 2000.
Astronaut Career
Cabana was selected as an astronaut candidate in June
1985. Following completion of initial astronaut training, Cabana became an astronaut in July, 1986. He was assigned to
the JSC Astronaut Office, serving in a number of leadership
positions, including lead astronaut in the Shuttle Avionics
Integration Laboratory; Mission Control Spacecraft Commu
(continued on next page)
3
Col. ROBERT D. CABANA
2015 National Space Trophy Recipient
(continued from page 3)
Following 236 orbits of the Earth Space Shuttle Atlantis
landed at KSC on July 23, 1994.
Cabana commanded STS-88’s crew of six aboard Space
Shuttle Endeavour. This historic mission began assembly of
the ISS, the largest international cooperative space
venture in history. STS-88
launched from KSC on December 4, 1998, carrying the
Unity node with two pressurized mating adapters.
During the 12-day mission,
Unity, the U.S.-built node,
was mated with Zarya, the
Russian-built Functional Cargo Block. Two crew members
performed three spacewalks
to connect umbilical’s and
attach tools/hardware in the
assembly and outfitting of
the station. Additionally, the Cabana Astronaut photo – ISS
crew performed the initial
Node I 1998 (NASA Photo)
activation and first ingress of
the space station, preparing
it for future assembly missions and full-time occupation.
The crew also performed IMAX Cargo Bay Camera operations and deployed two satellites, Mighty Sat 1, built by the
U.S. Air Force Phillips Laboratory, and SAC-A, the first successful launch of an Argentine satellite. On December 13,
1998, Space Shuttle Endeavour undocked from the young
ISS for the return to Earth. The mission was accomplished in
185 orbits of the Earth, ending with a successful night landing at KSC on December 15, 1998.
nicator,
famously
known as CAPCOM;
and Chief of NASA’s
Astronaut Office. A
veteran of four space
flights–STS-41, STS53, STS-65 and STS-88
–Cabana has logged
more than 910 hours
in space.
Cabana Navy evaluation AD-1 oblique On STS-41, Cabana
wing, 1981 (NASA Photo)
piloted Space Shuttle
Discovery.
STS-41
launched from KSC on
October 6, 1990. During the four-day mission, crew members successfully deployed the Ulysses spacecraft, starting
the interplanetary probe on its four-year journey, via Jupiter, to investigate the polar regions of the Sun. Crew members also conducted numerous other experiments involving
radiation measurements, polymer membrane production
and microgravity effects on plants. The mission was accomplished in 66 orbits of the Earth, ending with a successful
landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on October
10, 1990.
Cabana also piloted Space Shuttle Discovery on STS53. Launching from KSC on December 2, 1992, the crew of
five deployed a classified Department of Defense payload
and then performed several Military-Man-in-Space and
NASA experiments. After completing 115 orbits of the Earth
in 175 hours, Discovery landed at Edwards Air Force Base on
December 9, 1992.
On STS-65, Cabana commanded a crew of seven
aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. STS-65 launched from KSC
on July 8, 1994. The crew conducted the second International
Microgravity Laboratory mission, utilizing the long Spacelab
module in the payload bay. The flight consisted of 82 experiments from 15 countries and six international space agencies. During the
record
setting
15-day flight, the
crew conducted
experiments that
focused on materials and life sciences research in
a microgravity environment, paving
the way for future
operations and cooperation aboard
the International
Commander STS-88 Space Shuttle EnSpace Station (ISS).
NASA Experience
Upon completion of astronaut training in July 1986,
Cabana’s initial assignment was as the Astronaut Office
Space Shuttle Flight Software Coordinator until November
1986. At that time, he was assigned as the Deputy Chief of
Aircraft Operations for JSC, where he served for two-and-ahalf years.
He then served as the lead astronaut in the Shuttle
Avionics Integration Laboratory, where the orbiter’s flight
software was tested prior to flight. Cabana has served as
a Capsule Communicator in Mission Control during space
shuttle missions and as Chief of Astronaut Appearances.
Prior to his assignment to command STS-88, Cabana
served for three years as the Chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office. Following STS-88, Cabana served as the Deputy Director of Flight Crew Operations. After joining the ISS program
in October 1999, Cabana served as Manager for International Operations.
(continued on page 34)
deavour, 1998 (NASA Photo)
4
DR. ELLEN OCHOA
2015 National Space Trophy Presenter
Dr.
Ellen sions in a variety of roles including leading onboard scientif-
Ochoa,
Di- ic activities, operating the robotic arm, and serving as flight
rector of the engineer during the launch, rendezvous, and entry phases
Johnson Space of the mission. Prior to being named Center Director in
Center and former NASA as- 2013, Dr. Ochoa was Deputy Center Director for five years;
tronaut STS-56, STS-66, STS- she previously led the Flight Crew Operations Directorate,
96, and STS-110, will present managing the astronaut office and the aircraft operations
the prestigious 2015 Rotary divisions.
National Award for Space Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Director of
the Johnson Space Center
(NASA Photo)
As the first Hispanic female astronaut, Dr. Ochoa has giv-
Achievement to Colonel Rob- en more than 300 presentations focusing on the importance
ert D. Cabana, Director of the of a STEM education. She has four schools named after her,
Kennedy Space Center and for- several books written about her for the K-8 grades, and has
been profiled in textbooks and on websites geared toward
mer NASA astronaut, STS-41, STS-53, STS-65, and STS-88.
Dr. Ochoa said, “Bob has done a masterful job of trans- encouraging females and minorities to pursue technical
forming Kennedy Space Center into a multi-user spaceport, fields. She is the recipient of many awards including NASA’s
supporting both government and commercial space access. highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal, honorary
His leadership skills, evident throughout his career in the doctorates from The Johns Hopkins University and WorcesMarines, in the Astronaut Corps, and in a variety of senior ter Polytechnic Institute, and the Presidential Distinguished
roles at NASA, are now enabling the world to explore and Rank of the Senior Executive Service.
work in space.”
Dr. Ochoa earned a Ph.D. and M.S. in Electrical Engineer-
ing from Stanford, and a B.S. in Physics from San Diego State
University. She began her career as a research engineer
at Sandia National Laboratories and NASA Ames Research
Center. She has 3 patents in the area of optical information
processing and numerous publications in technical journals.
She is a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and
Astronautics and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Selected to join the Astronaut Corps in 1990, she subse-
Astronaut photo from STS-110, April 16, 2002
quently served as a crew member on four space shuttle mis- (NASA Photo)
6
JOHN ZARRELLA
Emcee
in Florida, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
From 1981 to 1983 he was the Executive Producer of
Daybreak. Zarrella was hired to create and launch the program. In 1985, he was assigned for four months to CNN’s
Cairo Bureau.
Zarrella was a principal correspondent for CNN’s coverage of the U.S. space program and he covered 75 Space
shuttle launches.
Zarrella also covered John Glenn’s 1998 return to space,
Hubble, Hubble Repair, Challenger, Columbia, both returns
to flight, Atlantis final flight, Endeavour’s trip through L.A.,
Mars Landers, Curiosity, Pathfinder, and the Polar Lander.
He wrote and hosted a year long special series for CNN’s
American Morning, “Counting Down Cady”, following astronaut Cady Coleman (Missions STS-73, STS-93, Soyuz TMA20, Expedition 26/27) as she prepared and trained for flight
to the International Space Station Soyuz TMA-20, Expedition 26/27. The series ran between 2009 and 2010.
Zarrella also wrote and hosted a one hour documentary for CNN “Beyond Atlantis: The Next Frontier” on July 8,
2011, after NASA’s final space shuttle launch – STS-135.
He has been honored numerous times for his reporting
contributions. In 2003, the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association gave Zarrella its prestigious Media Award
for “outstanding efforts to inform the public of the problem
of hurricanes and the issues faced by emergency managers.” In 2002, the National Hurricane Conference awarded
him its Outstanding Achievement Award for his work on
“Hurricane: When the Big One Hits”.
Zarrella’s many awards include two Emmy Awards for his
coverage for Katrina, Oklahoma City, Pacific Sunami, and the
Presidential election coverage. He has also been honored
with the 2013 Media Award from the National Space Club
Florida, the 2009 Media Award from the National Space
Club in Huntsville and two National Hurricane Conference
Media Awards. He is married to Robin Zarrella with four
children, and enjoys fishing, golf, and gardening.
The RNASA
Foundation
is pleased to
have former
CCN
correspondent John Zarrella as the
emcee of RNASA’s 29th annual awards gala. On January
3, 2014, Zarrella retired from
CCN after thirty-two years. He
covered the space program
as a correspondent for thirty
years.
His company, JZ Media, hanZarrella as the emcee of the
dles space reporting, commer2014 RNASA Gala
cial and corporate voice-over
(RNASA Photo)
work, media training, and
a space blog. The JZ Media
website is Johnzarrellamedia.com.
Zarella is currently working for CCTV America - China Central Television which is a 24 hour English language network.
He covered the Orion launch for CCTV. Other CCTV projects
include a story about Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz, President and
CEO of Ad Astra Rocket Company and former astronaut, STS61-C, STS-34, STS-46, STS-60, STS-75, STS-91 and STS-111, a
story on coral reef restoration, and a story about hunting for
treasure from Spanish galleons.
Zarella has also done voice over work for Guy Harvey Adventures. He was the Emcee for the Eutelsat satellite company following a launch of one of their satellites on a space
x rocket, and he will be the emcee for the Astronaut Hall of
Fame Induction Ceremonies in May.
From Miami Beach, Florida, Zarrella earned a bachelor’s
degree in English from St. Thomas University, formerly Biscayne College in 1976 where he helped establish the college’s journalism program.
Zarrella worked in local television from 1975 to 1981 in
Miami, West Palm Beach, Baltimore, and Atlanta. He served
as executive producer at WJTV-TV in Miami and WBAL-TV in
Baltimore.
Zarrella joined CNN in November 1981 as executive
producer at CNN world headquarters in Atlanta where he
was responsible for the overall look and content of all hard
newscasts.
He was CNN’s Miami correspondent, named to this position when the Miami bureau was established in December
1983. Zarrella was responsible for CNN’s coverage of news
John Zarella, former
CNN correspondent
-CCTV-Merritt Island
September 2014
(Zarrella Photo)
8
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9
COLONEL RANDY “KOMRADE” BRESNIK
The RNASA
Foundation
welcomes
NASA
Astronaut and
United States Marine Corps
Colonel Randy “Komrade”
Bresnik as a Stellar Award
presenter this evening. In
November 2009, he flew as
a Mission Specialist on STS129.
Bresnik was born in Fort
NASA Astronaut-STS-129 and
Knox,
Kentucky. Growing
U.S. Marine Corps Colonel
up
in
Southern
California,
Randy “Komrade” Bresnik
he
graduated
from
Santa
(NASA Photo)
Monica High School in 1985.
Bresnik earned a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Mathematics from The Citadel in 1989, and
later a Master of Science degree in Aviation Systems from
the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in 2002.
In May 1989, Bresnik received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps from the NROTC
unit at The Citadel. After graduation he attended the Basic
School and Infantry Officers Course at Marine Corps Base
Quantico, Virginia.
He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1992 and reported
to the Navy Fighter/Attack Training Squadron VFA-106, Cecil
Field, Florida, for initial F/A-18 training. His first squadron
was VMFA-212 at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay,
Hawaii, then MCAS El Toro and MCAS Miramar, California,
where he made three overseas deployments to the Western
Pacific. While assigned to VMFA-212, Bresnik attended the
Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructors Course (WTI)
and Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).
He attended U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) at NAS
Patuxent River, Maryland, from January 1999 to December
1999. Bresnik then served as F/A-18 Test Pilot/Project Officer/Project Coordinator at VX-23, the Naval Strike Aircraft
Test Squadron on the F/A-18 A-F variants.
In November 2002, he reported to Marine Aircraft Group
11 (MAG-11) as the Future Operations Officer. In January
2003, MAG-11 deployed to Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait. From Al Jaber, Bresnik flew combat missions in the F/A18 with VMFA (AW)-225 in support of Operation Southern
Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was the Operations
Officer of VMFA-232 when he was selected for the astronaut
program.
Stellar Awards Presenter
Bresnik was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut
Group 19 in May 2004 and completed his Astronaut Candidate Training in February 2006.
November 2009, Bresnik flew as the MS-2/Flight Engineer on STS-129. STS-129 was an 11-day mission from November 16, 2009 to November 27, 2009. The flight included
three spacewalks and Bresnik was an Extra-Vehicular crewmember on the second and the third spacewalks. He is the
first graduate of The Citadel to have the opportunity to fly in
space.
In 2010, Bresnik trained as a Cave-a-naut in the extreme
environment training of the European Space Agency’s Cooperative Adventure for Valuing and Exercising human behavior and performance Skills (CAVES), in Sardina, Italy. This
was the first spaceflight analog of its type living deep beneath the surface of the Earth.
From September 7 – 13, 2014, he commanded the
NEEMO 19 undersea exploration mission aboard the Aquarius underwater laboratory. As Aquanauts, their mission focused on the evaluation of time-delay and telementoring
operations for Environment Mission Operations program.
Bresnik’s awards and military decorations include the
Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (3), Navy and
Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V” (3),
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), and the
Presidential Unit Citation.
He is married to the former Rebecca Burgin of Pompton
Plains, New Jersey. She is the brains of the family as well
as the lead Attorney for International Law at the Johnson
Space Center. They have a son and a daughter. While he
was off-planet doing spacewalks, back on Earth she gave
birth to their daughter. He enjoys travel, music, photography, classic cars, scuba diving, motorcycling, flying warbirds,
and being a Father.
10
“Komrade”, his wife
Rebecca and their
children
(Bresnik Photo)
TRACY CALDWELL DYSON
Stellar Awards Presenter
The RNASA
Foundation
welcomes
NASA Astronaut Tracy
Caldwell Dyson as a Stellar
Award presenter this evening. In August 2007, she
flew as a Mission Specialist
on Space Shuttle Endeavour flight STS-118 and was
part of the Expedition 23/24
crew on the International
Astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson Space Station between April
STS-118 and Expeditions 23/24 4, 2010 and September 25,
(NASA Photo)
2010.
Caldwell Dyson was born
in Arcadia, California. She
earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at the
California State University, Fullerton in 1993, and a Ph.D. in
Chemistry at the University of California, Davis, in 1997.
As an undergraduate researcher at the California State
University, Fullerton, Caldwell Dyson designed, constructed and implemented electronics and hardware associated
with a laser-ionization, time-of-flight mass spectrometer for
studying atmospherically relevant gas-phase chemistry.
At the University of California, Davis, her dissertation
work focused on investigating molecular-level surface reactivity and kinetics of metal surfaces using electron spectroscopy, laser desorption, and Fourier transform mass spectrometry techniques. She also designed and built peripheral
components for a variable temperature, ultra-high vacuum
scanning tunneling microscopy system.
During that time, and many years prior, she also worked
as an electrician/inside wireman for her father’s electrical
contracting company doing commercial and light industrial
construction.
In 1997, Caldwell Dyson received the Camille and Henry
Drefus Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental Science to
study atmospheric chemistry at the University of California,
Irvine .
Selected by NASA in June 1998, she reported for Astronaut Candidate Training in August of that same year. The
completion of this training and evaluation qualified her for
flight assignment as a mission specialist.
In 1999, Caldwell Dyson was assigned to the Astronaut
Office ISS Operations Branch as a “Russian Crusader” participating in the testing and integration of Russian hardware
and software products developed for ISS.
In 2000, she was assigned prime Crew Support Astronaut for the ISS Expedition 5 crew and began working inside
Houston’s Mission Control Center as spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) for both space shuttle and space station operations serving also as the lead CAPCOM for ISS Increment
11.
Caldwell Dyson flew onboard Shuttle Endeavour on STS118 during August 2007. She served as a Mission Specialist
#1 and directed 4 spacewalks as the prime Intra-Vehicular
“IV” crewmember on this flight.
With crewmates Alexander Skvortsov and Mikhail
Korniyenko, Caldwell Dyson then joined the Expedition 23
crew aboard ISS in April 2010, launching from the Baikonur
spaceport aboard a Russian Soyuz capsule (Soyuz TMA-18).
After 176 days duty as part of both the Expedition 23 and 24
crews, she, along with her Russian crewmates, returned to
Earth in September 2010.
She has completed three contingency spacewalks, logging more than 22 hours to replace a failed coolant pump.
Caldwell Dyson’s awards include an Honorary Doctorate,
California State University, Fullerton in May 2008, NASA
Performance Awards in 2001 and 2002, NASA Go the Extra
Mile (GEM) Award in 2001, NASA Superior Accomplishment
Award in 2000 and the NASA Group Achievement Award
- Russian Crusader Team in 2000, the Camille and Henry
Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental Science
in 1997 and the Outstanding Doctoral Student Award in
Chemistry from the University of California, Davis in 1997.
She is married to Pastor and Naval Aviator George Dyson
IV. Caldwell Dyson is a private pilot and is conversational in
American Sign Language (ASL) and Russian. She is also the
lead vocalist for the all-astronaut band Max Q. Caldwell Dyson’s recreational interests include anything involving tools
and spending time with her husband and dog, especially in
outdoor activities, and supporting her husband’s ministry
mentoring at-risk youth.
11
Tracy with her
husband George
(Dyson Photo)
IN MEMORY OF
OWEN MORRIS
The late Owen Glenn Morris, former NASA manager and sary knowledge to meet the challenges. One of these was
Space Center Rotary Club member, is being recognized for former NASA manager Jack Lister.
his contribution to the Rotary National Award
for Space Achievement Foundation.
After about two years of planning,
the committee had everything in
The dream of a national
place for the premier event.
award for space achieve-
The advisors chose Dr.
ment was born in 1985
Maxime A. Faget, the
when former NASA man-
Director of Engineer-
ager and Space Center
ing and Development
Rotary
member
at NASA as the recipi-
Owen Morris felt that
ent of the first National
contributions by indi-
Space Trophy in 1987.
Club
viduals in the space pro-
Morris was hired
gram deserved more rec-
by NACA in Langley, Vir-
ognition by the public.
ginia to design and op-
Morris decided that a
erate a supersonic wind
properly designed award
tunnel. In 1958, NACA
program
help
became NASA and Mor-
draw attention to the
ris joined the Space Task
many benefits provided
Group, focusing on the
by the space program.
Apollo Program.
could
He shared the idea with
He served as chief
Space Center Rotary Club
engineer and project
President Charles Hart-
manager for the lunar
man. Hartman and Robert
module, as well as Apollo
Wren, who would be president
program manager for Apollo
the following year, enthusiastically em-
17.
braced the idea.
Morris’s Awards and Citations include the
They formed a committee with Hartman as
NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 1969, the
Chairman that evolved into the Rotary National
United States Medal of Freedom in 1972, and the
Award for Space Achievement Foundation. Hartman, Wren,
NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1973. He died on De-
and Morris recruited the people with contacts and neces- cember 29, 2014. He was 87.
12
13
RNASA FOUNDATION
The Rotary National Award for Space Achieve- three-year terms except for the SCR president who serves
ment (RNASA) Foundation was founded in
1985 to organize and coordinate an annual
event to recognize outstanding achievements
in space and create greater public awareness
of the benefits of space exploration. Each year, the Foundation
presents the National Space Trophy (NST) to an outstanding
American (see previous winners on page 16) who has made
major contributions to our nation’s space program.
Nominations are solicited each fall from leaders in government, industry, and professional organizations. The winner is
selected by a vote of the RNASA’s Board of Advisors (page 33)
that includes current and former NASA center directors, leaders of aerospace corporations, space journalists, and previous
award recipients.
Since 1989, the RNASA Foundation has also recognized the
“unsung heroes” of the space program with Stellar Awards
(pages 23-32) for individual and team achievements.
The RNASA Foundation is a nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors, a majority of whom must be
members in good standing of the Space Center Rotary (SCR)
club. One third of the directors are elected each June for
for one year while president.
The RNASA Committee (pictured) serves the board and
includes the directors, officers, corporate representatives,
event coordinators, and dedicated Rotarians who help organize and produce a quality and memorable evening for
our sponsors (page 17) and guests.
Excess funds remaining after event expenses are donated to space-related programs. Following the 2014 event,
proceeds were donated to the NASA Aerospace Scholars
Program which provides thousands of students the opportunity to experience the exciting work being done at Johnson Space Center. In addition, General Bolden designated
a portion of the funds to the Military Child Education Coalition and the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Finally,
RNASA donated a sum to the Space Center Houston 747
carrier project.
The RNASA Foundation is grateful for the enthusiasm
and support it receives from the aerospace industry, educational organizations, NASA, and the Department of Defense that allows the continued recognition of outstanding
achievements in space exploration.
All ROWS L TO R: THIRD ROW: Geoff Atwater (Treasurer), Duane Ross, Scott Rainey (SCR President), Steven Fredrickson
SECOND: Bill Taylor (Vice Chairman), Shelley Baccus, Tim Kropp, Irene Chan, Rodolfo Gonzalez (Chairman), Lindsey Cousins, Gary Johnson , Delia Stephens, Bob Wren FRONT: L. Jean Walker (Secretary), Frank Perez, Jenny Devolites, Pat Patton,
Mary Alys Cherry NOT PICTURED: Floyd Bennett, Jeff Carr, Stephanie Castillo, Susan Gomez, Jacinda Green, Philip Harris,
Marcus Havican, Mike Hernandez, Joe Mayer, Jayant Ramakrishnan, Branelle Rodriguez, Celina Rogers, Lori Wheaton
(J. Pamela Photography, 2015)
14
15
PREVIOUS NST RECIPIENTS
1987 - Maxime Faget
1988 - Don Fuqua
1989 - Richard Truly
1990 - Lew Allen
1991 - Aaron Cohen
1992 - Norman R. Augustine
1993 - Thomas Stafford
1994 - Edward C. “Pete” Aldridge
1995 - Daniel Goldin
1996 - Robert L. Crippen
1997 - George W.S. Abbey
1998 - George H.W. Bush
1999 - Christopher C. Kraft
2000 - John W. Young
2001 - Tommy Holloway
2002 - George E. Mueller
2003 - Roy S. Estess
2004 - Neil A. Armstrong
2005 - Glynn S. Lunney
2006 - Eileen Collins
2007 - Eugene F. “Gene” Kranz
2008 - Eugene Cernan
2009 - Michael D. Griffin
2010 - William H. Gerstenmaier
2011 - Kevin P. Chilton
2012 - Michael L. Coats
2013 - Kay Bailey Hutchison
2014 - Charles F. Bolden
16
2015 SPONSORS
CORPORATE TABLE SPONSORS
a.i.solutions, Inc.
Aerojet Rocketdyne
ARES Corporation
Barrios Technology
Bastion Technologies, Inc.
The Boeing Company
Booz Allen Hamilton
Cimarron
DB Consulting Group, Inc.
Draper Laboratory
Dynetics
ERC, Inc.
Fort Sill Apache Industries
GeoControl System, Inc.
Honeywell
Jacobs
Lockheed Martin
MEI Technologies, Inc.
MRI Technologies
NMR Consulting
Oceaneering International, Inc.
OMEGA Watches
Orbital ATK
Raytheon
SAIC
SGT, Inc.
SpaceX
The Aerospace Corporation
United Continental Holdings Co.
University of Houston-Clear Lake
UTC Aerospace Systems
VMD Systems Integrators
Wyle
OMEGA WATCH
OMEGA Watches
ROBERT CABANA’S PORTRAIT
Lockheed Martin
STELLAR AWARD TROPHIES
Orbital ATK
STELLAR AWARD PENS
Fisher Space Pens
STELLAR AWARD EVALUATION PANEL
Arnold D. Aldrich
Gen. Kevin P. Chilton
Col. Eileen Collins
Dr. Glynn S. Lunney
SPECIAL THANKS
Jeffrey Carr
Irene Chan
Craig Insurance
Mark E. Hollis, CPA
Hyatt Regency Houston
MRI Technologies
NASA Johnson Space Center
Space Center Rotary Club
CREDITS
Multimedia Production by Space City Films
Program book content by Pat Patton
Art & Design by Lindsey Cousins
Cover art by Pat Rawlings
Printing by Printing for Less
17
PROGRAM
29th Annual Rotary National Award
for Space Achievement Gala
Friday, April 24, 2015
Houston Hyatt Regency Imperial Ballroom
6:00
RECEPTION
7:00
WELCOME
Rodolfo González
Chairman, RNASA Foundation
PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS
Clear Lake High School, Clear Creek ISD
Cadets from 2nd Battalion JROTC
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Kam Franklin
Lead singer for The Suffers
INVOCATION
Steve Oglesbee
Lead Pastor, Clear Lake Presbyterian Church
DINNER
8:15
2013 YEAR-IN-REVIEW FILM
Space City Films
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
John Zarrella
Former CNN space correspondent
PRESENTATION OF STELLAR AWARDS
Randy Bresnik and Tracy Caldwell-Dyson
NASA Astronauts
PRESENTATION OF NATIONAL SPACE TROPHY
TO ROBERT D. CABANA
Ellen Ochoa
NASA Johnson Space Center Director
PRESENTATION OF THE OMEGA WATCH
Thomas Stafford
RECOGNITION OF SPONSORS AND CLOSING
2015 RNASA STELLAR AWARDS PROGRAM
Each fall, the RNASA Foundation solicits
Stellar Award nominations of space industry workers and teams deserving of special
recognition. This year, 107 individual and
40 team nominations were received in four
categories (see citations on pages 23-32). “Each company
and organization may only nominate a select few people or
teams in each category, so just being nominated is quite an
achievement,” noted Jennifer Devolites, the RNASA Stellar
Awards Committee chairman. “The Foundation is proud to
bring the outstanding work of all the nominees to the attention of a wider community.”
All nominees are treated to an insiders’ tour of Johnson
Space Center (JSC) and an awards luncheon with a distinguished speaker. This year’s speaker was Mark Geyer(see
profile on page 21). Nominees receive framed certificates
of recognition and blue ribbons to wear at the evening banquet so that guests can identify them and offer their congratulations.
The winners of the Stellar Awards are chosen by an esteemed panel of judges based on which accomplishments
will have the most impact on future space activities and that
meet the criteria of recognizing “unsung heroes.” The winners are announced at the banquet where they receive a
distinctive engraved marble trophy generously sponsored
this year by Orbital ATK.
STELLAR AWARDS EVALUATION PANEL
Dr. Glynn S. Lunney, is a member
of the RNASA Board of Advisors who is
serving his thirteenth year on the Stellar Awards Evaluation Panel. He was the
2005 National Space Trophy winner.
Lunney graduated from the University
Dr. Glynn S.
of Detroit in 1958. He worked at what is
Lunney
now Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, RNASA Photo
Ohio and transferred to Langley in Virginia in 1958. Lunney joined the Space Task Group in 1959
and moved to Houston in 1962. He was a flight director for
Gemini and Apollo and head of the Flight Director’s Office
starting in 1968. He received an honorary doctorate from
the University of Scranton in 1971. In 1972, Lunney became
manager of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, and manager of
the Apollo Spacecraft Office starting in 1973.
Lunney served at NASA Headquarters twice during 1976
and later in 1980, first as deputy associate administrator
(AA) for Space Flight, and then as acting AA for Space Transportation Operations. In 1981, he returned to Houston to
manage the Space Shuttle Program.
In 1985, Lunney left NASA and became president of Rockwell’s Satellite Systems Division in California. After a tour at
Rockwell Space Systems Division, he returned to Houston in
1989 to lead Rockwell’s Space Operations Co. that became
part of United Space Alliance (USA) in 1995. Lunney was
VP and program manager of USA’s Space Flight Operations
Contract until his retirement in 1999.
Arnold D. Aldrich is a member of the
RNASA Board of Advisors who is serving
his eighth year on the Stellar Award Evaluation panel.
Aldrich joined the Space Task Group
at Langley Field in 1959 following graduation from Northeastern University. He
Arnold D.
held a number of key flight operations
Aldrich
management positions during the Mer- RNASA Photo
cury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. He
served as Skylab deputy program manager; Apollo Spacecraft Program Office deputy manager during the Apollo
Soyuz Test Project; Orbiter Project manager during development of Space Shuttles Discovery and Atlantis; and Space
Shuttle Program manager. Following the Challenger accident, Aldrich was appointed director of the National Space
Transportation System (Space Shuttle Program) at NASA
Headquarters where he led recovery and return-to-flight efforts. He then served as AA for Aeronautics and Space Technology and, later, AA for Space Systems Development.
In 1994, Aldrich left NASA and joined Lockheed Missiles
and Space Company in Sunnyvale, California. He was vice
president, Commercial Space Business Development and
then vice president, Strategic Technology Planning. With
the merger of Lockheed and Martin Marietta, he became
director of Program Operations at Lockheed Martin’s headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. He retired in 2007 and is
now an aerospace consultant. Aldrich has received numerous honors including the Presidential Rank of Distinguished
Executive and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.
20
General Kevin P. Chilton is a member of
the RNASA Board of Advisors who is serving his third year on the Stellar Award
Evaluation panel. The former astronaut
and commander of US Strategic Command received the 2011 National Space
Trophy.
General Kevin P.
A graduate of the U. S. Air Force
Chilton
(USAF) Pilot Training and Test Pilot
RNASA Photo
Schools, Chilton holds a B.S. in engineering science from the USAF Academy and an M.S. in mechanical engineering from Columbia University. He served operation and test assignments in the RF-4, F-4, and F-15 prior to
his selection as an astronaut in 1987.
Chilton piloted the maiden flight of Endeavour on STS-49
in 1992, and the Space Radar Laboratory mission, STS-59, in
1994. In 1996, he commanded STS-76, the third docking mission to the Russian Space Station Mir. He served as deputy
program manager for the International Space Station until
leaving NASA in 1998.
Chilton served on the Air Force Space Command Staff,
the Air Staff, the Joint Staff, and commanded the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, 8th Air Force, Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Global Strike, and Air Force
Space Command. From 2007 to 2011, he commanded the
U. S. Strategic Command overseeing plans and operations
for all U. S. forces conducting strategic deterrence and the
Department of Defense’s space and cyberspace operations.
He retired from the Air Force in 2011 and now serves as a director of Orbital Sciences, Level 3, Anadarko, the Aerospace
Corporation, and Schafer Corporation.
Colonel Eileen Collins, USAF (Ret.)
and former NASA astronaut, STS-63, STS84, STS-93, and STS-114, is a member of
the RNASA Board of Advisors who is serving her first year on the Stellar Awards
Evaluation Panel. She was the recipient of
the 2006 National Space Trophy and she
Col. Eileen
received the award as NASA’s first female
Collins
Space Shuttle Pilot and Commander.
RNASA Photo
Collins earned her associate’s degree
in math/science from Corning Community College in 1976,
her BA in math and economics from Syracuse University in
1978, a Master of Science degree in operations research
from Stanford University in 1986, and a Master of Arts degree in space systems management from Webster University in 1989.
She was a T-38 instructor pilot at Vance AFB in Oklahoma, and a C-141 commander and instructor at Travis AFB in
California. From 1986 to 1989, Collins taught math at the
USAF Academy in Colorado and was a T-41 instructor. She
graduated from the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards
AFB in 1990 before her selection that year as a pilot astronaut. Collins first flight was the first for a woman pilot.
Collins flew on STS-63 Discovery from February 3-11,
1995, STS-84 Atlantis from May 15-24, 1997, STS-93 Columbia from July 23-27, 1999, which was the first Shuttle mission to be commanded by a woman, and STS-114 Discovery
from July 26 to August 9, 2005.
Her special honors include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious
Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with
one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with
one oak leaf cluster, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for
service in Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury, October 1983),
French Legion of Honor, NASA Outstanding Leadership
Medal, NASA Space Flight Medals, Free Spirit Award, and
the National Space Trophy.
STELLAR LUNCHEON SPEAKER
Mark S. Geyer, Program Manager for
NASA’s Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle
(MCPV) was the featured speaker at the
Stellar Awards Luncheon earlier today.
Orion is NASA’s next generation of spacecraft and was built to enable human exploration of the solar system.
As Program Manager of Orion, Geyer
is responsible for the day-to-day manMark Geyer
agement, development, and integration
NASA Photo
of the Orion system.
He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. Geyer earned a
Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from Purdue
University in 1982 and a Master of Science in aerospace engineering from Purdue University in 1983.
He was the Manager of the Russian Elements Team International Space Station from 1997-2000, and he was responsible for integrating the Russian ISS hardware elements
into the International Space Station. Geyer was also the
Lead negotiator between NASA, the Russian Space Agency
and their contractors regarding technical integration and
programmatic plans.
From 2000–2004, he was the Manager of the International Space Station Program Integration Office and was responsible for the definition of the International Space Station assembly sequence and the primary office for technical
integration of the International Partners International Space
Station elements: Russia, Canada, Europe and Japan.
In 2005, Geyer was the Manager of the System Engineering and Integration for the Development Program Division
of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA
Headquarters in Washington, D.C. From 2005-2007, he was
the Deputy Manager of the Constellation Program. In 2007,
Geyer became the Program Manager for NASA’s Orion
Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle.
His awards include the NASA Exceptional Service Medal,
Space Flight Awareness Leadership Award, NASA Outstand-
21
2015 RNASA STELLAR AWARDS PROGRAM
ing Leadership Medal, NASA Meritorious Executive Rank
Award, NASA Distinguished Executive Rank Award Nominee, Federal Engineer of the Year Nominee, and NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal.
Geyer is married to the former Jacqueline Lewis and has
three children, Samantha, Russell and Andrew.
OMEGA WATCH PRESENTER
Lt. Gen. THOMAS STAFFORD, USAF
(Ret.)
Once again, OMEGA has generously donated a watch to the recipient of the
National Space Trophy. The watch is presented by Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, Lt. Gen. Thomas
P. Stafford
USAF (Ret.), the recipient of the Trophy in
1993, and a member of the RNASA Board RNASA Photo
of Advisors.
From Weatherford, Oklahoma, Stafford graduated from
the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952 and became an Air Force
fighter and test pilot. He was the pilot for Gemini 6 in 1965
and the commander for Gemini 9 the next year. Stafford
commanded Apollo 10 in 1969 and Apollo-Soyuz in 1975.
He left NASA to command the Air Force Flight Test Center, and in 1978 became Deputy Chief of Staff at Air Force
Headquarters in D.C. He retired in 1979, and co-founded the
consulting firm of Stafford, Burke, and Hecker in Alexandria,
Virginia. In 1990, Stafford chaired the team that prepared
“America at the Threshold” to advise NASA on returning to
the Moon and exploring Mars.
The RNASA Foundation wishes to express its gratitude
to OMEGA and General Stafford for more than a decade of
support to our annual event.
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EARLY CAREER STELLAR NOMINEES
Esteban D. Barajas of Aerojet Rocketdyne - Exceptional
contributions to the Space Launch System RS-25 Engine
Program.
Tracy L. Belford of NASA Kennedy Space Center - Outstanding legal counsel of the highest quality that facilitated the
growth of a globally competitive U.S. commercial space
sector at Kennedy Space Center.
Frank Bremer of Lockheed Martin - Technical excellence
and extraordinary achievement contributing to the development and qualification of the Orion Crew Module
propulsion system for NASA’s historic Exploration Flight
Test-1.
Anthony DiCello of The Boeing Company - For outstanding
technical leadership contributing to the completion the International Docking Adapter for the International Space Station.
Melinda S. Dutton of Orbital ATK - Outstanding work ethic
and results-driven focus enabling the resolution and implementation of corrective actions for the asbestos-free insulator replacement of the SLS solid rocket booster.
Erin Eichenberg-Bicknell of Orbital ATK - Extensive accomplishments and deep dedication to key programs in Orbital’s
National Security Business Area.
Kyle A. Brewer of NASA Johnson Space Center - Exceptional contributions to real-time operations, implementing
quality and efficiency improvements in ISS mechanisms
and maintenance operations.
1st Lt. Gregory J. Eslinger of USAF - Outstanding leadership
of a 97-member team in the rapid design/build of a ground
control system for a $1B SECDEF-directed communication
satellite demonstration.
Gloria H. Choi of UTC Aerospace Systems - Excellent leadership with outstanding technical expertise in circuit design focused on the highest standards required for crewed
flight.
Jason Grow of The Boeing Company - Exceptional engineering and leadership to successfully achieve full-scale Space
Launch System Core Stage Feedline Liquid Oxygen test stand
design, build and test in 2014.
2014 Early Career Stellar Award recipients. L to R: Hurley (presenting), Hillshafer, Gray, Maunder, Swenson, Diez, Amar,
Manyapu, Nyberg (presenting), Not pictured: Webber (RNASA photo, 2014)
23
Nicole C. Jordan of NASA Johnson Space Center - Outstanding contributions to future space exploration as a spacesuit
development expert, NASA Lead for the first SpaceX cargo
vehicle, and Crew Office Lead for the Boeing CST-100 commercial crew vehicle.
John J. Lauterbach of GeoControl Systems - Outstanding
contributions to the space simulation and testing capabilities at JSC through facility upgrades and helium refrigeration system operations in support of the James Webb Space
Telescope program.
Nicholas Lindsay of SpaceX - Exceptional leadership overseeing the SuperDraco engine test program, a critical component of the Dragon 2 spacecraft’s unique integrated
launch abort system.
Eric W. Maier of NASA Johnson Space Center - Outstanding
leadership in human spaceflight training and the user implementation of a new training management system.
Alex Manka of Orbital ATK - Significant contributions to the
success of the Cygnus Orb-D1 mission.
Peter Masi of Jacobs - Exceptional engineering support
to vacuum test operations at JSC, contributing immeasurably to the success and continued evolution of the nation’s
manned spaceflight program.
Dr. Gioia D. Massa of NASA Kennedy Space Center - Significant contributions to the Space Life and Physical Sciences
Program at KSC.
Matthew W. Ritsko of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
- Exceptional dedication leading and innovating business
activities on a flight project while making time to mentor
others.
Laura Rouillier of The Boeing Company - Outstanding passion and technical contribution to human spaceflight vehicles, and attention to building collaborative relationships
for joint success.
Daniel G. Schauerhamer of MRI - Exemplary technical
excellence, problem solving and dedication in advancing
computational fluid analysis capabilities to help ensure
NASA mission success.
Rubik B. Sheth of NASA Johnson Space Center - Exceptional leadership in thermal technology development to support future manned spaceflight.
Capt. Alexander Simpson of USAF - Outstanding leadership in developing a NASA manned-space flight launch vehicle, a national defense target launch missions, the NASA
Abort Test Booster mission, and the Army PATRIOT Missile
Segment Enhancement national defense test mission.
Sasha M. Sims of NASA Kennedy Space Center - Outstanding leadership and success of the Kennedy Space Center
Program Management Forum and overall Business Office
performance for Ground Systems Development and Operations Program.
Maj. Walter McMillan of USAF SAF/AQS - Unwavering pursuit of affordable and viable military satellite communication alternatives, paving the way for future satellite communication systems.
Nathan B. Stastny of USAF Air Force Research Laboratory
- Exceptional advancements in state-of-the-art automated
passive relative navigation for space rendezvous and proximity operations resulting in a unique Air Force capability for space superiority during crucial space situational
awareness activities.
Diego Mugurusa of UTC Aerospace Systems - Outstanding
systems engineering and technical analysis, including systems engineering leadership for Orion Environmental Control and Life Support Systems.
Nicholas P. Wasinger of USAF SMC/RNSE - Outstanding
initiative sustaining and modernizing launch range system,
enabling space vehicle launches from Cape Canaveral, FL
and Vandenberg AFB, CA.
Dr. Jeb S. Orr of The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory - Exemplary technical excellence and innovation in developing and
demonstrating the Adaptive Augmenting Control algorithm
for launch vehicles.
Saul Weiss of Lockheed Martin - Outstanding imagery processing, compression, and downlink system design that
ignited the world’s imagination with views from Orion’s
Exploration Flight Test-1.
Richard E. Pierce of Lockheed Martin - Outstanding leadership and technical excellence for the Forward Bay design
and build on EFT-1.
Stephen M. Wells of The Boeing Company - Exceptional
vibration, shock, and acoustic products that consistently
exceeded the NASA customer’s expectations.
Robert H. Plunkett of MEI Technologies Inc. - Outstanding
technical and managerial leadership of the optimization of
payload integration, which has enabled maximum return for
ISS External Science Platforms.
24
MID CAREER STELLAR NOMINEES
Robert E. Bardwell II of The Boeing Company - Outstanding
technical excellence in weights and mass properties analysis
and control, and innovative propellant management techniques to support Shuttle, Ares I Upper Stage, and Space
Launch System Core Stage applications.
Christopher P. Hansen of NASA Johnson Space Center - Outstanding leadership and technical expertise during the Extravehicular Activity 23 Mishap Investigation.
Gregory A. Hausman of Aerojet Rocketdyne - Exceptional
contributions and leadership in the areas of liquid rocket
Cristina M. Benzenhafer of The Boeing Company - Outstandpropulsion and space power to advance America’s space
ing technical excellence in refining the propulsion design
programs.
definition process, and propulsion component and subsystem integration, improving first time quality.
Michael S. Heckler of Lockheed Martin - Outstanding huDean A. Coleman of Lockheed Martin - Outstanding contri- man spaceflight contributions to improve ISS and Orion
butions to ISS and Orion MPCV crew safety and mission suc- MPCV crew safety and ensure mission success.
cess, including leadership of Orion’s aerodynamic deceleraWilliam L. Howorth of NASA Johnson Space Center - Outtor system mortars on EFT-1.
standing coordination and leadership of the interagency
Nicholas H. Cummings of NASA Kennedy Space Center - working group responsible for ensuring ensure safe operaOutstanding leadership of Kennedy Space Center’s opera- tions of NASA assets in space.
tions planning and development approach, and the Ground
Systems Development and Operations Program.
Charles A. Joyce of Oceaneering Space Systems - Exceptional technical excellence and diligence in the first three
Kristi H. De Grys of Aerojet Rocketdyne - Outstanding conyears of Robonaut 2 technology demonstration aboard the
tributions in leadership, development, and in the areas of
International Space Station.
arcjet and Hall current thruster electric propulsion for national and international spacecraft.
Michael A. Kincaid of NASA Johnson Space Center - ExcepJulius Edelmann of NASA Kennedy Space Center - Excep- tional leadership of strategic communications by developtional project management skills in leading the space sta- ing greater stakeholder awareness of the benefits of human
space exploration through creative media, education and
tion payload processing facility science annex.
outreach products.
Steven M. Fuqua of SAIC - Outstanding technical contributions to the advancement of human space flight, including Julie A. Kramer White of NASA Johnson Space Center - OutExtravehicular Activity.
standing technical contributions to human space flight as
the Orion Multi-purpose Crew Vehicle Chief Engineer.
Stace W. Garrett of The Boeing Company - Exceptional
achievements as a vision-driven aerospace engineer and
Brian N. Laird of USAF SMC - Exceptional leadership and outmanager with 20+ years of experience leading aerospace
standing technical oversight of operational safety suitability
program teams and developing space systems.
and effectiveness for the Launch and Test Range System.
Ismael Gonzales of Lockheed Martin - Exceptional achievement in the design, development, and test of the state of- Capt. Victor H. Miramontes of USAF - Exceptional contributhe-art automated vehicle management system for the Ori- tions in information assurance, and cryptography for a $1B
SECDEF-directed communication satellite demonstration.
on spacecraft.
25
Christopher Neman of Lockheed Martin - Outstanding technology and leadership contributions leading to successful
Mission Control Center projects requiring integration across
multiple NASA centers.
Jason J. Robinson of Orbital ATK - Exceptional dedication and
technical excellence resulting in the successful preparation of
the Cygnus mission operations team for CRS missions to the
ISS.
Jeffrey Newton of The Boeing Company - Outstanding leadership in Space Launch System (SLS) Main Propulsion Systems, crucial to closing on component and subsystem design for the SLS Critical Design Review.
Gordon R. Russell of Orbital ATK - Exemplary performance,
outstanding leadership, and creation of a model of teamwork, mutual respect, and collaborative innovation in the
Space Launch System program office.
Kwaku B. Nornoo of Jacobs - Exceptional electrical systems Keith M. Shinozaki of Aerojet Rocketdyne - Exceptional coninnovations for human spaceflight, including contributions tributions and leadership in the areas of liquid rocket propulto MPCV parachutes and high definition ISS cameras.
sion and space power to advance America’s space programs.
Christopher E. Perret of The Boeing Company - Exemplary contributions to human space flight safety and success
through technical expertise in functional analysis, system architecture, and requirements verification and compliance.
Colin D. Sipe of Lockheed Martin - Outstanding development
of cutting-edge composite material for the Orion spacecraft
upper aeroshell subsystem, critical for crew protection on future deep-space missions.
Garrett Reisman of SpaceX - Outstanding leadership and Mark Y. Sonoda of NASA Johnson Space Center - Outstanding
technical expertise instrumental to the development of the leadership in human spaceflight training of astronauts, flight
Dragon 2 manned spacecraft.
controllers, and instructors.
Mark J. Ricciardo of Aerojet Rocketdyne - Outstanding innovation, technical excellence, and support of the RL-10
Program in its quest to provide sustainable and affordable
propulsion solutions while maintaining its mission success
legacy.
Renee Marie Spinhirne of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Outstanding technical leadership and successful execution of
the integrated test campaign for avionics and system testing
for MPCV EFT-1.
2014 Middle Career Stellar Award recipients. L to R: Nyberg (presenting), Ballinger, Steffy (for Dorsch), Orlowski, Sproles, Nicholson, Durkin, Hurley (presenting), Not pictured: Beal, Douglass (RNASA photo, 2014)
26
Edmund Taddey of UTC Aerospace Systems - Exceptional Todd Wantuch of Orbital ATK - Extensive accomplishments
technical skill and leadership in engineering to develop- and dedication to the USAF Geosynchronous Space Situation
ment of systems and components for human space and un- Awareness program and mission area.
manned space.
Michael D. Waugh of NASA Kennedy Space Center - For susCarson A. Taylor of MEI Technologies Inc. (MEIT) - Excep- tained exemplary service and dedication to the International
tional leadership and execution of the payload integration Space Station Program.
process for numerous major payload experiment missions
deployed via the Shuttle and ISS.
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Wiemeri of USAF - Outstanding leadership of
the Rocket Systems Launch Program team responsible for deAllison Thomas of UTC Aerospace Systems - Outstanding veloping and building three space missions and one target
contributions to human spaceflight including Active Thermal launch mission.
Control, Environmental Control and Life Support Systems for
ISS, Orion and future exploration EVA suit concepts.
Gary B. Williamson of Lockheed Martin - Outstanding leadership and technical work utilizing innovative approaches for
Maj. Bryan Titus of USAF SAF/AQS - Demonstrated history of the development of Mission Control Center Command Sysexcellent performance and leadership in space acquisitions, tems in support of multiple programs for human spaceflight.
satellite payload processing, and on-orbit satellite anomaly
resolution to ensure continued operation for a variety of Darrell G. Winfield of The Boeing Company - Outstanding
satellite systems.
contributions to the design, development, verification, integration and on-orbit configuration of ISS, including project
Thomas E. Walker of ARES Technical Services - Outstanding management of the nitrogen / oxygen recharge system.
leadership, innovation, multi-organizational integration and
successful execution of EFT-1 recovery operations.
27
LATE CAREER STELLAR NOMINEES
Thomas P. Butler of The Boeing Company - Exceptional contributions leading the execution of numerous highly successful and program critical International Space Station development projects.
Mark S. Geyer of NASA Johnson Space Center - Exemplary
leadership in planning and executing Exploration Flight Test 1
-- the first beyond earth orbit flight in the nation’s new human
space exploration program.
George E. Cain of Lockheed Martin - Exceptional design and
development of liquid propulsions systems for NASA’s deepspace human exploration spacecraft achieving significant
improvements in affordability and schedule.
James P. Heflin of The Boeing Company - Exceptional technical excellence leading to the successful recovery of the SLS
core stage supplier feedline system design.
Mark Caron of UTC Aerospace Systems - Exceptional technical skills and engineering leadership in developing systems
to enable human space travel on-board ISS, Orion and Boeing CST-100.
Dr. Eric L. Christiansen of NASA Johnson Space Center - Outstanding leadership of the Hypervelocity Impact Technology
Group in the protection of crew members and spacecraft
from micrometeoroids and orbital debris.
Cary R. Christopherson of Lockheed Martin - Exceptional
leadership in integrating EFT-1 across NASA, ULA, and Lockheed Martin stakeholders.
Kurt W. Coffman of Aerojet Rocketdyne - Outstanding support to the RS-68 and RS-27 programs and long term contributions to America’s space programs.
David S. Copeland of The Boeing Company - Outstanding
leadership in advancing science on-board the International
Space Station.
John V. Iovine of NASA Johnson Space Center - Outstanding
performance and dedication in the management of the International Space Station Passive Thermal Control System.
John Jordan of Orbital ATK - Outstanding contributions as Orbital Chief Engineer for the highly successful Landsat-8 development.
Robert A. Kalb of Aerojet Rocketdyne - Superior leadership
and dedication to ensuring alignment with requirements,
hardware quality, and process compliance resulting in 100%
mission success.
Brian Keller of Orbital ATK - Outstanding leadership and technical management as lead engineer for rendezvous/proximity
operations for Orbital’s Cygnus.
Dr. Edward J. Lewandowski of NASA Glenn Research Center
- Outstanding long-term contributions and exceptional technical leadership in the development and testing of Stirling radioisotope power systems.
Denise DiFilippo of The Boeing Company - Exceptional analytical expertise in sparing and supportability assessments
for the International Space Station.
Kevin J. Melcher of NASA Glenn Research Center - Exceptional
technical and leadership contributions in developing innovative systems health management technologies for NASA Human Exploration and Operations programs.
George Dorsey of Orbital ATK - Exceptional contributions
to the integration of the Cygnus Pressurized Cargo Module
within the CRS Program.
Mohammed K. Nasrullah of The Boeing Company - Exceptional project management expertise and contributions to the
Space Shuttle and the International Space Station programs.
Scott D. Dubach of The Boeing Company - Outstanding technical integrity, attention to detail, and engineering expertise
devoted to the aerospace industry and products that have
enabled successful human space travel and exploration.
Joseph T. Nowetner of UTC Aerospace Systems - Sustained
leadership, performance and commitment to the safety and
operational excellence of human spaceflight extravehicular
activity.
Eric W. Ernst of NASA Kennedy Space Center - Outstanding leadership of design, development and construction of
the NASA Mobile Launcher, human spaceflight’s gateway to
deep space exploration.
Thomas W. Paulus of Aerojet Rocketdyne - Outstanding leadership and technical management as lead systems development and test engineer for the RL10C-1 program.
28
Mark R. Reinecke of UTC Aerospace Systems - Outstanding
contributions to the SLS Core Stage thrust vector control system from Ares I transition to six successful component critical design reviews.
Mary Beth Schwartz of NASA Johnson Space Center - Outstanding leadership efforts resulting in significant improvements in risk management, management of resources, and
quality system management for S&MA and its partners.
Barry K. Rogers of L-3 Communications - Exemplary career Kenneth O. Schwer of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center supporting human spaceflight by development of robotics Outstanding project management contributions at NASA.
visualization, analysis, and planning software products critiDavid Shefsky of Exelis Inc. - Exceptional management of
cal to ISS assembly and resupply missions.
the NASA Space Network Blossom Point Antenna System
Robert A. Rossato of UTC Aerospace Systems - Exceptional Project, a first step in establishing the newest ground staNASA EVA Recovery Team support in response to on-orbit tion.
space suit close call with Short EMU 3011.
Charles L. Sherck of USAF SMC - Outstanding leadership and
Randy Jay Rubens of The Boeing Company - Exceptional program management skills resulting in exceptional range
leadership and innovation in aerospace programs and ad- support for National Security Space and DoD space launch
vanced aerospace systems for over thirty years, from Space operations.
Shuttle Orbiter to DARPA Orbital Express to Boeing’s ComNancy E. Tolliver of The Boeing Company - Unwavering commercial Crew Transportation System.
mitment, personal sacrifice, and devotion to the Human
Donald R. Sauvageau of Orbital ATK - Exceptional contribu- Spaceflight industry, space exploration, and mission safety.
tions as an industry leader and driving force within the space
Richard E. Troutman of The Boeing Company - Tireless
industry for the advancement of human spaceflight.
performance as the Core Stage Structural Integrity TechniGeorge Schamel of Lockheed Martin Space Systems - Out- cal Lead Engineer, directly contributing to the SLS Program
standing leadership of the Orion Power and Data Unit (PDU) meeting its CDR requirements and NASA customer expectasubsystem effort that designed, built, tested and supported tions.
the integration of the four complex flight PDU’s leading to a
successful Orion EFT launch.
Steven A. Scheer of The Boeing Company - Exceptional leadership of ISS on-orbit dynamic loads pre-flight verification.
2014 Late Stellar Award recipients. L to R: Hurley (presenting), Mulder, Hewitt, Kranz, McCasland, Davies, Dalton, Vogt,
King, Nyberg (presenting), Not Pictured: Freeman (RNASA photo, 2014)
29
STELLAR TEAM NOMINEES
Delta II Launch Restart Team of Aerojet Rocketdyne - Exceptional support to the restart of Delta II missions while
maintaining flawless mission success and exemplary customer support.
ATK Space Launch System Forward Skirt – Full Scale Structural Test Team of Orbital ATK - Outstanding achievement
in successfully adding over 35% certification capability to
the Solid Rocket Booster heritage forward skirt through innovated testing concepts, saving $35M.
Edwards/ Armstrong Space Transit and Space Launch
Test Team of USAF, 412th Test Wing - Outstanding teamwork by venturing into the unknown and supporting the
technology development of several new airborne space
launch platform capabilities.
Active Thermal Control System (ATCS) Pump Module
Anomaly Resolution Team of The Boeing Company - Exceptional resolution of a zero fault tolerant failure of the
external active thermal control system pump module on
the International Space Station.
Falcon 9 Launch Operations Team of SpaceX - Outstanding technical and operational performance leading to a
remarkable pace of launch for the Falcon 9 rocket, including four back-to-back launches from July to September 2014.
Advanced Extremely High Frequency Hall Thruster Team
of USAF Air Force Research Laboratory - Exceptional resolution of an unexpected performance issue affecting the
electronic propulsion systems onboard Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellites.
Avionics Subsystem Integration and Test Facility First Light
Team of The Boeing Company - Outstanding achievement
of one of the SLS Core Stage’s first critical path milestones,
SITF-D “First Light”, providing the SLS Avionics and Software team the infrastructure and capability to begin active
hardware/software integration and risk reduction ac
Functional Fault Model (FFM) Modeling Conventions
and Practices Team of NASA Glenn Research Center Exceptional contributions developing cross-program
functional fault modeling conventions as an enabling
technology for NASA ground and human-rated launch
systems.
Cargo Mission Contract – Cargo Processing Team of Lockheed Martin - Outstanding responsiveness to the Orbital 3
mishap and demonstrating maximum flexibility in accommodating additional resupply hardware and critical spares
on SpaceX 5.
Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program
Team of Orbital ATK - Successful delivery and launch of
the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program, a space neighborhood watch system.
Global Precipitation Measurement Team of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center - Outstanding engineering creativity and dedication, overcoming multiple obstacles
during the development of the GPM Core Observatory
to on schedule and under budget.
Commercial Crew Transportation Capability Source Evaluation Board of NASA Kennedy Space Center – Innovative
strategies enabling procurement of a safe and reliable
U.S. Commercial Crew Transportation System to transport
NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
Hosted Payload Office of USAF - Pioneering achievement
in developing and awarding a first-of-a-kind $495M contract for government hosted payloads on commercial
satellites to deliver more affordable, disaggregated, and
resilient space systems.
D361 Investigation Phase 2 Modeling and Analysis Team
of Aerojet Rocketdyne - Exceptional industry-leading analysis efforts in support of the Delta IV D361 Phase 2 flight
anomaly investigation.
30
ISS Common Communications for Visiting Vehicles Antenna
Assembly and Laser Retroreflector Team of Lockheed Martin - Outstanding creativity, practicality and teamwork in the
development of a low-cost space antenna assembly multipurposed to also include spacecraft navigation hemispherical retroreflector arrays and accommodations for mounting
future ISS external equipment.
MAVEN Mission Team of Lockheed Martin - Successful orbital capture and sampling of Mars’ upper atmosphere to
provide answers to long-standing questions about the red
planet.
Meteorological System Computer (MSC) Range External
Interface Network Project Team of USAF SMC - Exceptional
dedication, persistence, and technical excellence in upgradInternational Space Station EVA Recovery Team of NASA ing the meteorological system computer on the Eastern Test
Johnson Space Center - Exceptional failure investigation and Range.
corrective action leading to the reinstatement of ISS US EVA
capability following the water intrusion mishap on US EVA Morpheus Lander Team of NASA Johnson Space Center –
23.
Outstanding implementation of the design, development
Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration Team of Booz
Allen Hamilton - Outstanding innovation in developing and
demonstrating space laser communications, enabling highbandwidth communications for space exploration while reducing size, mass, and power requirements.
and operation of a prototype lander, executing over 60 terrestrial flight tests and demonstrating high performance
LOX/methane propulsion, autonomous precision landing
and hazard avoidance to benefit future robotic and human
exploration missions.
Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration Team of MIT
Lincoln Laboratory - Exceptional teamwork in designing,
building, testing, integrating, and operating the record-shattering lunar laser communication demo.
NASA Sustainable Land Imaging (SLI) Architecture Study
Team of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center - Outstanding
contribution to defining the future of land imaging missions
for the United States.
Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration Team of NASA
Goddard Space Flight Center - Historic demonstration of laser communications from the Moon at record-breaking data
rates.
Orbital Orb-1 Integration and Operations Team of Orbital
ATK - Exceptional dedication and technical excellence resulting in successful integration, processing, launch and operations of the highly successful Orb-1 mission.
2014 Team Stellar Award recipients. L to R: Nyberg (presenting), Monteiro-Knight (Boeing), Pearce (DARPA), Shen (Boeing), Jackson (NASA GRC), Breger (Draper), Laidley (Orbital), May (NASA MSFC), Hollister (UTC), DeMauro (Orbital), Hellekson (ATK), Hurley (presenting) (RNASA photo, 2014)
31
Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 (OCO-2) Team of Orbital ATK Space Launch System Anti-Geyser Test Team of The Boeing
- Excellent teamwork in final Assembly, Test, Launch, and Op- Company - Outstanding success in achieving full-scale SLS
erations of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 spacecraft.
Core Stage Feedline Liquid Oxygen test stand design, building and testing in 2014.
Orion EFT-1 Communications and Outreach Team of NASA
Johnson Space Center - Outstanding communication and Space Launch System Core Stage Critical Design Review
public engagement efforts that created global excitement Team of The Boeing Company - Outstanding team success in
for Orion’s Exploration Flight Test-1 and the future of human furthering the new development and design of the largest
space flight.
and most powerful launch vehicle to provide beyond earth
orbit capability.
Orion EFT-1 NASA Management Team of NASA Johnson
Space Center - Successful leadership of the joint government- SpaceCube Team of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center industry team to accomplish EFT-1 while advancing manage- Successful development of SpaceCube hybrid data processment innovations and improving affordability.
ing technology, enabling the next generation of advanced
space flight applications.
Orion Exploration Flight Test-1 Industry Team of Lockheed
Martin Space Systems - Successful spaceflight test of NASA’s Spacecraft Factory of the Future: Operations & Checkout
new Orion spacecraft designed for human exploration of our Team of Lockheed Martin Space Systems - Extraordinary
solar system.
performance in transforming the Operations and Checkout
facility into the “Human Spacecraft Manufacturing Factory
Orion Hardware Development Team of Lockheed Martin of the Future.”
Space Systems - Innovative development and manufacturing
of a new spacecraft design for future deep-space exploration Vertical Assembly Center Activation Team of The Boeing
missions
Company - Selfless individual dedication, outstanding teamwork and exceptional overall performance in the delivery of
Orion Software & Avionics Team of Lockheed Martin Space the largest spacecraft welding system in the world and the
Systems - Exceptional innovation and performance of new manufacturing centerpiece of the Space Launch System.
software and avionics systems developed for NASA’s future
deep-space exploration missions.
Payload Activity Requirements Coordinator Team of a.i.
solutions, Inc. - Exceptional support in the development of
planning requirements for the operation of science payloads
onboard the ISS.
RL10C-1 Engine Development Team of Aerojet Rocketdyne
- Successful development, certification and first flight of the
RL10C-1 engine, powering the Atlas V launch vehicle upper
stage with the NROL-35 payload on December 12, 2014.
Revolutionize ISS for Science and Exploration (RISE) Team of
NASA Johnson Space Center - Unprecedented initiative and
ingenuity in leading the reengineering of the ISS program to
ensure the stewardship of science discovery and the fostering of successful commercial industry in space.
Rocket Systems Launch Program Team of USAF - Outstanding teamwork developing and building two NASA launch vehicles, an international space weather launch vehicle and a
PATRIOT target launch vehicle.
Solar Power for Electric Propulsion Team of NASA Glenn Research Center - Successful development of innovative solar
array technology to enable high-power solar electric propulsion for 21st century space exploration.
32
2015 RNASA BOARD OF ADVISORS
Geoge W.S. Abbey
Kay Bailey Hutchison
Jim Albaugh
Sandra G. Johnson
Arnold D. Aldrich
John C. Karas
Edward C. Aldridge
Joseph P. Kerwin
Jim Asker
Eugene F. Kranz
Norman R. Augustine
Debbie Kropp
Virgina A. Barnes
Glynn S. Lunney
Daniel Brandenstein
Sandra Magnus
Robert D. Cabana
Bob Mitchell
Donald J. Campbell
George E. Mueller
Jeffrey E. Carr
George C. Nield
Mark E. Carreau
Miles O’Brien
Eugene Cernan
William W. Parsons
Kevin P. Chilton
J. Gregory Pavlovich
Michael L. Coats
Thomas B. Pickens III
Eileen M. Collins
Elliot G. Pulham
Richard O. Covey
William F. Readdy
Robert Crippen
Kenneth S. Reightler
Frank L. Culbertson
Harrison H. Schmitt
Ronald D. Dittemore
Brewster H. Shaw
Joe H. Engle
W. Tom Short
Donald Fuqua
Mark Sirangelo
William H. Gerstenmaier
Thomas P. Stafford
John H. Glenn
William A. Staples
Gerald D. Griffin
Richard D. Stephens
Michael D. Griffin
Richard H. Truly
Jim Hartz
William Vantine
J. Milt Heflin
George Whitesides
Cynthia Hendershot
John W. Young
Richard J. Hieb
Shepard W. Hill
Tommy W. Holloway
Neil B. Hutchinson
33
Col. ROBERT D. CABANA
2015 National Space Trophy Recipient
(continued from page 4)
From August 2001 to September 2002, he served as Director, Human Space Flight Programs, Russia. As NASA’s lead
representative to the Russian Aviation and Space Agency
(Rosaviakosmos) and its contractors, he provided oversight
of all human space flight operations, logistics and technical
functions, including NASA’s mission operations in Korolev
and crew training at
the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
in Star City.
Upon his return to
Houston, Cabana was
assigned briefly as
the Deputy Manager
of the ISS program.
From November 2002
to March 2004, he
served as Director of
the Flight Crew OperaCabana Astronaut photo NASA T-38, tions Directorate and
was responsible for di1996 (NASA Photo)
recting the day-to-day
activities of the directorate, including the
Astronaut Corps and aircraft operations at Ellington Field.
He was then assigned as Deputy Director of JSC, where he
served for three and a half years. He next served as the Director of the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. A year later
he was reassigned as the tenth director of KSC.
During his tenure at KSC, Cabana has overseen completion of the ISS; brought the Space Shuttle program to a safe
and successful close; lead KSC through an extensive transition period; implemented a clear, strategic vision for the
future; and transformed KSC from a NASA program-focused
field installation, to a diverse, multiuser spaceport.
Cabana is also leading modernization efforts to transform KSC into a 21st century spaceport with capabilities to
launch spacecraft built and designed by both NASA and private industry, while also overseeing development of a U.S.
commercial crew transportation capability. Under his leadership, KSC continues to deliver on NASA’s programmatic
work, including processing and launching rockets, preparing
payloads for science and commercial missions, developing
technologies to advance exploration.
cluding the Daughters of the American Revolution Award for
the top Marine to complete naval flight training, 1976; U.S.
Distinguished Graduate U. S. Naval Test Pilot School; the De
La Vaulx Medal presented by the Federation Aeronautique
Internationale, 1994; Defense Distinguished Service Medal;
Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross; Defense Meritorious Service Medal;
Meritorious Service Medal; National Intelligence Medal of
Achievement; two NASA Distinguished Service Medals; two
NASA Medals for Outstanding Leadership; two NASA Exceptional Service Medals; four NASA Space Flight Medals; the
2013 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award; and the 2015 National Space
Trophy.
Organizations
Cabana is a Fellow in the Society of Experimental Test
Pilots; Associate Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics
and Astronautics; and member of the Association of Space
Explorers.
Cabana’s Family
Cabana is extremely proud of his three children: Jeffrey, a pilot in the Marine Corps; Chris, a science teacher;
and Sarah, a teacher, artist, and super mom. One of his
greatest joys is his six grandchildren: Emily, Jackson, Bennett, Ryan, Kaden, and Lily. He believes they shine from his
“Lake Wobegon” roots, where all the women are strong, the
men are good looking, and the children are all above average.
Awards
Cabana, a 2008 inductee into the Astronaut Hall of
Fame, has received numerous awards and decorations, in-
34
Cabana family photo, 1979 (Cabana Photo)